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Jets looking to establish winning mentality

Craig Goodwin says the Jets need to apply the same hard-working mentality from their win over Brisbane to their remaining games.

Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets winger Craig Goodwin believes the Jets need to apply the same hard-working mentality from their 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar to all eight of their remaining Hyundai A-League fixtures.

The Jets notched their third victory of the season over the competition front-runners and Goodwin believes there are lessons to be learned from the Jets- approach to the contest.

“All the boys were really ecstatic with the result,” Goodwin said.

“Of course it was the third time that we-ve beaten Brisbane this year, so hopefully it kick-starts the back end of our season and we can have a real push for the finals and even the top four.

“We have a very good record up there, so it might just be a mentality thing and that-s something that we have to bring into every game.

“It was about the discipline, the mentality and keeping our structure and we did it very well, playing more on the counter-attack and just absorbing the Brisbane pressure.”

While Goodwin did not have the same impact offensively as hid did when he scored a brace against Wellington Phoenix, the 22-year-old said he was still satisfied with his contribution to the Jets- first clean sheet in seven matches.

“It asked a lot of the defensive side of my game, which is something that definitely needs work,” Goodwin said.

“I feel I was tested against Brisbane, but I felt that I was up to the task and we got the result for the team, which is what we needed.”

Goodwin said he felt like he had come a long way from earlier season when his involvement in the Jets- match day squad consisted primarily of bench appearances.

“For every player it-s frustrating when you-re not in the side and not getting picked, so for me it was about looking if I was doing anything differently and asking why my performances were dropping,” Goodwin said.

“From there it was just about working on everything I needed to work on, doing everything professionally and working hard before, during and after training to try and get back up to the level that I was at last season.

“I feel like I-m making good strides now and I-m getting picked on a regular basis, which is good. I-ve just got to keep working hard and putting in performances for the team.”

Goodwin signed a two-year contract extension with the Jets on Monday, keeping him at the Club until the end of the 2015/16 season.

“I-m definitely happy to be here for another couple of seasons,” Goodwin said.

“I-ve been enjoying my time at the club so far, the fans are fantastic and the players that we have are fantastic as well.”

The Newcastle Jets return home to Hunter Stadium to face Sydney FC on Saturday. Kick-off is at 5.30pm.